Intel, Microsoft deal with computer-chip weeknesses

The world's biggest chipmakers and software companies, including Intel and Microsoft are wrestling with a vulnerability that exposes millions of computers and smartphones to hacking and performance slowdowns.

Google researchers came across a feature, present in almost all of the billions of processors that run computers and phones around the world, that could give cyberattackers unauthorised access to sensitive data, but fixing the bug could adversely affect device performance.

News of the weakness, found last year and reported Tuesday by The Register technology blog, hit shares of Intel, and pushed shares of rivals including Advanced Micro Devices Inc upwards. Intel maintained a silence for the most part of today, which further spooked investors.

Intel, Microsoft, Google and other tech giants came out with statements that sought to reassure customers and shareholders.

Intel pointed out that its chips were not the only ones affected and said business would not be affected, while Microsoft, the largest software maker, said it released a security update to protect users of devices running Intel and other chips.

Google said the issue affected Intel, AMD and ARM Holdings Plc chips. It noted that it had updated most of its systems and products with protections from attack.

Amazon.com Inc whose  cloud computing is top ranked, said most of its affected servers have already been secured.

Meanwhile, the fundamental design flaw in Intel's processor chips has led to a significant redesign effort of the Linux and Windows kernels to offset the chip-level security bug.

Programmers are working furiously to overhaul the open-source Linux kernel's virtual memory system. Microsoft, on its part, is expected to publicly introduce the necessary changes to its Windows operating system in an upcoming Patch Tuesday.

According to commentators, the updates to both Linux and Windows, would come at a cost to performance on Intel products. The effects are still being worked out, however a five to 30 per cent slowdown may be expected depending on the task and the processor model.